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Acronyms and Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere CBD Convention on Biological DiversityCBO Community Based Organization CHANS Coupled Human and Nature Systems CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CO Country Office CPMT Central Programme Management Team CPS Country Programme StrategyCSO Civil Society Organisation DDC District Development Committee EIA Environmental Impact Assessment FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations GEF Global Environment FacilityGHG Greenhouse Gas GIS Geographic Information System GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (the German Federal

Enterprise for International Cooperation) ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development I/NGO International/Non-governmental OrganizationIUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency M&E Monitoring & Evaluation OP Operational Phase PES Payments for Ecosystem Services POP Persistent Organic Pollutants NC National Coordinator NRM Natural Resources Management NSC National Steering Committee NTFP Non-timber forest products PA Programme Assistant REDD Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation SALT Sloping agricultural land technology SGP Small Grants Programme SPOT Satellite Pour l’Observation de la Terre (Satellite for Observation of Earth) STAR System for Transparent Allocation of Resources UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNOPS United Nations Office for Project ServicesUSAID United States Agency for International Development USD United States Dollar VDC Village Development Committee WWF World Wildlife Fund

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Table of Contents Acronyms and Abbreviations………………………………………………………………………………..ii

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................................. iii

1. GEF SGP Country Programme .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Key past achievements and lessons learned ............................................................................................. 1

2. Methodological Approach ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Literature review ...................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Consultations and scoping ....................................................................................................................... 7

2.3 Baseline assessment of the selected landscapes ....................................................................................... 7

3. Key Baseline Considerations for the GEF SGP Nepal Programme in OP6 ........................................... 7

4. GEF SGP Country Programme Niche ....................................................................................................... 8

4.1 Thematic and geographic focuses ............................................................................................................ 8

4.2 Contribution of the GEF SGP OP6 activities to Nepal's national priorities related to GEF-6 Strategic Priorities ........................................................................................................................................ 10

4.3 Contribution of GEF SGP OP6 activities to achieving the objectives of international conventions, treaties, and agreements .......................................................................................................... 12

4.4 Contribution of GEF SGP OP6 activities to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals ........ 13

4.5 Potential of GEF SGP OP6 activities for complementary and synergy with UNDP Nepal and GEF funded other projects ........................................................................................................................... 14

5. The Strategy ............................................................................................................................................... 15

5.1 Goal and objectives ................................................................................................................................ 15

5.2 Grant-making strategies ......................................................................................................................... 15

5.3 Grant-maker+ strategies ......................................................................................................................... 16

6. Expected Results ........................................................................................................................................ 18

7. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan .............................................................................................................. 23

7.1 Monitoring and Evaluation guidance note ............................................................................................. 23

7.2 Monitoring and Evaluation of individual GEF SGP projects ................................................................ 23

7.3 Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the country programme ................................................................ 24

7.4 Reporting plan ........................................................................................................................................ 24

8. Resource Mobilisation Plan....................................................................................................................... 25

9. Risk Management Plan .............................................................................................................................. 25

References ....................................................................................................................................................... 26

Annexes ........................................................................................................................................................... 28

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1. GEF SGP Country Programme 1.1 Introduction The Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a corporate GEF programme implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). It provides financial and technical support to communities and civil society organizations (CSOs) to meet the overall objective of global environmental benefits secured through community-based initiatives and actions that complement and add value to national and global level action (GEF, 2014). SGP funds “small grants” up to a maximum of USD 50,000 per project. The grants allow local communities, in particular those that are poor and vulnerable, and CSOs to develop their capacity and enhance local livelihoods through environment-friendly economic activities. Nepal participated in the GEF SGP programme in 1994. Then after nearly four years gap GEF SGP Nepal started financing projects in late 1998. Since then, it has funded over 206 projects including seven Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative and four Every Drop Matters Projects. Alongside meeting with the global objective, the GEF SGP Nepal has additional focus on poverty alleviation and good governance. The country programme is governed by a multi-sectoral National Steering Committee (NSC), which assures a “country-driven” approach to SGP implementation. This Country Programme Strategy (CPS) is the primary document guiding the development, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the GEF SGP Nepal activities during the Sixth Operational Phase (i.e. 2015 - 2018). The CPS, which builds on around 20 years of SGP work and experience in the country, specifically identifies the goal, strategic objectives and outcomes that GEF SGP Nepal proposes to achieve over this operational phase. The CPS also sets the basic project eligibility criteria. To achieve the objectives, the CPS includes four main strategic initiatives: (i) community landscape conservation, (ii) reclamation of degraded public and community lands through community based innovative activities, (iii) conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and (iv) climate change mitigation and adaptation, including promotion of innovative climate-smart agriculture, and low carbon energy access co-benefits. CSO-government policy and planning dialogue platforms, promoting gender equality and social inclusion, and citizen practice based knowledge programme are some other important cross-cutting initiatives covered by the strategy. A key element of GEF SGP Nepal's strategy in OP6 will be the landscape approach to implementation of conservation and conservation-friendly development projects with participation of local communities. This is initiated to better focus grant-making and promote strategic programming and clustering of small grant projects with the aim to achieve greater impact and lead to synergies and opportunities for scaling up. Around 70 percent of the available GEF funds (including the core and the System for Transparent Allocation of Resources or STAR funds) will be used to fund projects in the selected landscapes. Enhancing the programme's role as a Grantmaker+ by strategically planning for the provision of services needed for achievement of greater portfolio impact will be another important element of the country programme. 1.2 Key past achievements and lessons learned The GEF SGP Nepal has supported in the past many small innovative projects related to biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation/mitigation, and reclamation of degraded lands, and a few projects on other themes such as Chemicals and Persistent Organic Pollutants. The Programme funded a total of 195 projects during the last 18 years (i.e. 1998-2015). The number of projects funded as well as the number of civil society organisations (CSOs) and community based organisations (CBOs) participating in the programme increased considerably over the period (Table 1). In addition, the

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Programme had also implemented seven Satoyama Initiative Projects (amounting USD 254,482) and four Every Drop Matters Projects (amounting USD 287,477) during the OP5 period. Table 1: GEF SGP grants disbursed during different operational phases in Nepal Operational Phase (OP)

Period Number of projects funded

Grant amount (USD) Total Minimum

per project Maximum per project

OP1 1998 2 100,000 50,000 50,000

OP2 1999-2004 50 1,691,500 1,663 50,000

OP3 2004-2007 40 1,452,711 1,850 149,090

OP4 2007-2010 39 1,199,752 1,700 49,955

OP5 2010-2015 64 2,154,083 1,900 49,918

Total 1998-2015 195 6,598,046 N/A N/A GEF SGP projects have successfully integrated global environmental concerns and needs of local communities. Some of the key success factors of the past GEF SGP projects were: (a) innovative nature of the projects, (b) involvement of and ownership by the local communities, and (c) fast grant delivery and transparent financial mechanism (GEF-SGP, 2008). The following are some of the key achievements made by the GEF SGP Nepal during its first to fifth operational phases.

• Transformation of over 1,200 ha. degraded slash-and-burn land to productive systems by applying agroforestry, particularly the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology(SALT), which benefitted over 2,500 households belonging mostly to underprivileged Chepang and Tamang communities.

• Conservation of over 3,600 ha. important wetlands (including Rupa, Jagadihspur, Jakhera, Gajedi, Charinge, Betna and Taudaha). An GEF SGP grantee, the Alliance for Integrated Development (a women-led community wetlands user group), received the prestigious Equator Initiative Award in 2014 for minimizing illegal poaching, maintaining security and promoting conservation in a Ramsar-enlisted wetland, the Jagadishpur reservoir, located in Kapilvastu district in western Nepal.

• Promotion of renewable energy technologies such as solar tukis, rice husk stoves, Matribhumi

stoves, community biogas and smoke hoods stoves.

• Conservation of important forest ecosystems, such as Gwalek, Panchase, Kankrebihar, Thada, and Patna, located in Baitadi, Kaski, Surkhet, Arghakhachi, and Kapilvastu districts, respectively.

• Substantial contribution to conservation of endangered species, such as vultures (Gyps bengalensis and Gyps tenuirostris), sarus crane (Grus antigone) and Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Nawalparasi, Lumbini, and Kailali regions, respectively.

• Promotion of gender equality and social inclusion in natural resources management. For example implementation of 38 past GEF SGP projects were led by women team leaders and eight projects were implemented by indigenous peoples’ organizations. The GEF SGP projects on forest conservation and renewable energy technology promotion are expected to have eased women’s drudgery by reducing the time spent on firewood collection, cooking and cleaning utensils.

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• GEF SGP grantees won 24 prestigious national and global awards, including the Ryutaro Hashimoto Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development (APFED) Award (2008), UNEP Sasakawa Prize (2010-11), Stockholm Convention’s Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Elimination Network (PEN) Awards (2011), UNEP Supporting Entrepreneurs for Environment and Development (SEED) Gender Equality Award (2011) and Equator Initiative Award (2014).

Some of the GEF SGP Nepal funded model projects implemented in the past include the following: .

• Community-Managed Vulture Restaurant and Visitor Centre in the Buffer Zone of Chitwan National Park, Nawalparasi District, Central Nepal project (NEP/OP3/2/07/08) implemented during 2007-2008 by Bird Conservation Nepal.

• Local Initiatives for Wetlands and Biodiversity Conservation project (NEP/SGP/OP4/CORE/ 08/02), implemented in the Gajedi Lake area of Rupandehi district by Forum for Environmental Awareness and Legal Public Concern, during 2008-2009.

• Dolphin Conservation Project (NEP/03/06) implemented in the Kanda, Patharia and Mohana

rivers of the Karnali river system (Bhajani, Thapapur and Narayanpur VDCs) in far-western Nepal during 2004-2005 by Dolphin Conservation Centre.

• Watershed Biodiversity Management Project (NEP/98/G52/05) implemented in Gwalek and

Nagarjun VDC, Baitadi in Far-western Nepal during 199-2001 by Tripura Sundari Village Development Association

• Solar Empowerment Project (NEP/98/G52/03) implemented in Bongadovan, Baglung during 1999-2001 by Himalayan Light Foundation.

• Kakrebihar Biodiversity and Culture Conservation (NEP/98/G52/06) project implemented in Kakrabihar forest block by Sustainable Development Facility, Surkhet, during 2000-2003.

• Project for Developing National Forest Certification Standards in Nepal (NEP/OP3/1/06/04)

project implemented by Nepal Foresters’ Association, during 2006-2008.

• Community Biodiversity Register for Acquisition and Utilization of Biodiversity (NEP/02/10) project implemented by Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development in Begnas, Rupakot and Lekhnath areas of Kaskidistrict during 2002-2005.

• Strengthening the Capacity of Community Seed Bank for Enhancing Local Seed Security and

Agrobiodiversity Conservation in Central Terai of Nepal project (NEP/OP3/1/06/11) implemented in Kachorwa of Bara district during 2006-2008 by Agriculture Development and Conservation Society.

• Community Based Model Village Programme for Environmental Conservation project

(NEP/OP3/1/06/09) implemented in Khumjung area of Sagaramatha National Park and Buffer Zone in Solukhumbu district by Khumbu Alpine Conservation Council, during 2006-2008.

• Panchase Bio-diversity Conservation Project (NEP/03/04) in Arther, Bhadaure Tamagi and Chitre VDC of West Nepal during 2004-2006 by Machhapuchhre Development Organisation.

• Mitigation of Effect of Greenhouse Gases through Controlling Slash and Burn Practice

project (NEP/03/11) implemented in Manohari, Kankada and Handikhola VDCs of Makwanpur district by the Manohari Development Institute Nepal. The project won APFED 2008 and UNEP Sasakawa Award 2011.

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• Recycling of Municipality Waste through Biogas Production and Composting project

(NEP/03/07) implemented in the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley by Women Environment Preservation Committee. The project won UNEP Seed Gender Equality Award in 2011.

• New Distillation Units for Sustainable Harvesting and Processing of Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) to Produce Essential Oil Project (NEP/04/11) implemented in Dolakha during 2005-2006 by Deo Dhunga Multipurpose Cooperative.

• Sustainable Livelihood of DAG by Enhancing the Alternative Use of Energy and Biodiversity Promotion project (NEP/OP3/2/07/03) implemented in Purainiya VDC, Bara during 2007-2009 by Nature and Human Development Centre.

• Participatory Bamboo Plantation for Environment Conservation and Economic Enhancement

Project implemented by Youth Society Nepal during 2005-2007.

• Promoting Improved and Sustainable Cardamom Farming Practice through the Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity and adoption of Renewable Energy project implemented by Environment Conservation and Development Forum (ECDF) during 2006-2008.

• Conservation of Raute culture through livelihood improvement project implemented by

Contemporary Vision P. Ltd(with participatory video reporting) in 2006.

• Market-led Environment Friendly Organic Farming Program in Arghakhanchi District of Nepal project (NEP/SGP/OP4/ 03/CORE/09/01) implemented by the Organic Agriculture for the Movement of Poverty Reduction in Mareng and Kimdanda VDCs of Arghakhanchi district during 2009-2011.

• Waste Management in Small Scale Health Care Facilities in Nepal: Demonstrating Safe and

Sustainable Waste Management Techniques and Reducing POPs and Climate Impact in a Rural Community, Nepal (NEP/SGP/OP5/Y1/CORE/12/05) in Chitwan implemented by the Health Care Foundation Nepal.

• Mitigation of Climate Change through Installation of Newly Modified Matribhumi Improved

Cooking Stove project implemented by Nepal Environmental Watch Initiative in Lele and Champi VDCs of Lalitpur District during 2012-2013.

• Conservation, Cultivation, and Sustainable Utilization of Medicinal Plants: Integrating

Amchis’ Traditional Environmental Knowledge and Practices with Community-Based Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Culturally Appropriate Health Care in Mustang District, Nepal project (NEP/OP3/2/07/10) implemented by Himalayan Amchi Association during 2007-2010.

• Public Awareness and Participation for Elimination of POPs and its Sources from Nepal

project implemented by the Center for Public Health and Environmental Development, Imadol, Lalitpur, during 2009-2011.

• Utilization of Wetland Based Resources for Conservation and Livelihood Promotion Project (NEP/SGP/OP5/Y2/CORE/12/08) during 2012-14 by Alliance for Integrated Development. The project won Equator Initiative Award 2014.

Not all of the past GEF SGP Nepal projects, however, were successful. Some of the projects were good for lessons learning and were terminated prematurely due to various reasons (Table 2).

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Table 2: Some of GEF SGP Nepal’ lessons learning projects implemented in the past S.N. Project name Main reasons for failure 1 Income generation for vulnerable

Netuwa tribes (snake catchers) in the Terai of Nepal through biodiversity conservation (NEP/04/04)

The project could not mobilise local people or convince them for their safety from snake bites, and could not retain expert to extract venom from the snakes.

2 Reducing transport sector CO2 emissions through market segments and geographic diversification of electric vehicles (NEP/OP3/2/07/13)

Batteries of the electric vehicles could not be charged due to very long hours of daily power cuts by the Nepal Electricity Authority.

3 Sustainable production and harvesting of seabuck thorn (NEP/SGP/OP4/CORE/07/02)

The grantee could not perform satisfactorily.

4 Beeshazari lake conservation project (NEP/OP4/Core/08/4)

The grantee could not mobilize local community to conserve the lake.

5 Supporting rural communities on energy conservation and extension of bio-diesel species in the Terai of Nepal (NEP/OP4/CORE/08/7)

The grantee could not perform satisfactorily.

6 Climate change adaptation through organic farming (NEP/SGP/OP5/Y2/CORE/12/13)

The grantee could not perform satisfactorily. Moreover, there was problem of cooperation between the grantee and the partner organisation responsible for monitoring the project activities.

7 E-waste management, mass media campaign and electrification from biogas NEP/SGP/OP5/Y3/STAR/CC/14/06

The project was successful in mobilizing local Kawadis (waste collectors) in collection of data on waste collection and developing draft policy for e-waste management, but could not produce electricity from biogas partly due to damage of the grantee’s biogas plant during construction of the ditch along the Bagmati River for sewerage pipe line by the Government.

8 Hamro Sampada (Journal) special issue on environment management in Nepal (NEP/SGP/OP5/Y3/STAR/Multi/14/18)

The grantee’s inability to implement the project, including management problem.

The following key lessons have been learned from implementation of the GEF SGP in Nepal over the last 18 years.

1. Incorporating economic interests of the local communities alongside addressing the GEF focal areas is necessary to achieve success and ensuring sustainability of the project outcomes.

2. Active participation of the local communities and other government and non-government stakeholders is essential for successful implementation of the GEF SGP projects.

3. CSOs (NGOs and CBOs) are the appropriate and effective channels for providing GEF SGP’s

financial and technical supports to community based initiatives, especially those initiatives that target the poor and disadvantaged social groups.

4. Addressing policy gap and raising awareness on relevant policy and legislation is essential for

achieving intended outcomes.

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5. Local capacity building, networking and partnerships amongst different agencies are necessary conditions to gain intended impacts. The co-funding provision in GEF SGP projects has increased networking and collaboration among the grantees.

6. Implementing Chemicals projects that require skilled human resources (such as toxic

chemical minimization) is difficult by local CSOs and CBOs.

2. Methodological Approach Development of the Country Programme Strategy was primarily based on: (i) stocktaking of current situation through extensive review of relevant plans, policies, strategies, agencies reports, and other literature, (ii) consultations, and (iii) baseline assessment of the selected landscapes. Relevant decisions and guidelines of the GEF SGP for OP6, and relevant policies and strategies of Nepal provided theoretical framework and technical guidance. The main methodological steps involved in the process are shown in Figure 1, and the main steps are briefly described in the following paragraphs. Figure 1: Key methodological steps in development of the Country Programme Strategy 2.1 Literature review Relevant literature, including those related to landscape approach to management, GEF SGP Nepal office progress reports and other publications, the GEF SGP country programme strategy and guidelines, relevant policies and strategies of the government, and other relevant and reliable material available with government and non-government agencies and on the internet were collected and reviewed. Some of the specific focuses of the review were the cases of success and failure of the past projects funded by GEF SGP Nepal, and polices, plans, strategies, and progress reports related to landscape management in the country. The review provided the foundation and basis for development of the CPS.

Revision of the draft CPS outline

Drafting of the CPS

Sharing draft CPS with relevant stakeholders for review and comments

Revision/finalization of the CPS

Col

lect

ion

and

revi

ew o

f re

leva

nt li

tera

ture

Consultations and scoping exercise in Kathmandu

Preparation of draft outline of Country Programme Strategy (CPS)

Selection of landscapes for baseline assessment

Development of criteria for prioritization of projects to be implemented outside of the selected landscapes

Local level consultations, baseline assessment of selected landscapes and production of

the assessment report

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2.2 Consultations and scoping National level consultations and scoping exercise were undertaken with the objectives of: (i) selecting GEF SGP OP6 strategic initiatives for Nepal, (ii) taking stock of the results and achievements of the GEF SGP Nepal country programme and identifying priority directions for programming in OP6, (iii) identifying landscapes and thematic areas, (iv) identifying criteria to be adopted for prioritization of projects to be implemented outside the selected landscapes, (v) identifying the areas of potential synergy between GEF SGP Nepal and the consulted agencies, and (vi) identifying ways for achievement of greater portfolio impact. The consultations were carried out with members of the National Steering Committee, relevant stakeholders from government, civil society, UNDP country office, and other partners. Checklists were used to make the consultation meetings efficient and objective oriented. A total of 11 consultation meetings, including one extended group meeting with the NSC members were carried out in Kathmandu. 2.3 Baseline assessment of the selected landscapes The baseline assessment involved reconnaissance visits to the landscapes and a series of consultation meetings and workshops with selected local communities, past GEF SGP grantees, local government authorities, and other relevant partners at the community and district levels in each selected landscape. A total of 11 community level consultation meetings were held in the selected landscapes. Efforts were made to make the consultations gender-balanced and socially inclusive to the extent possible. Structured checklist were developed for capturing the baseline information related to key elements of the OP6.The data and information so collected were analyzed and a Baseline Assessment Report was prepared (Annex 1). The baseline assessment of the landscapes, including reconnaissance visits and organization of the consultation meetings, was negatively affected by the blockade of Nepal-India border, unrest in the Terai region, problem with transportation due to shortage of gasoline, which restricted the movement of the project team members. Despite these problems, the task was completed satisfactorily. 3. Key Baseline Considerations for the GEF SGP Nepal Programme in OP6 GEF SGP Nepal's country programme activities will be oriented towards meeting the overall objective of securing global environmental benefits through community-based initiatives and actions that complement and add value to national and global level actions. The activities will be guided by the concept of "coupled human and nature systems (CHANS)", which considers environmental and human sustainability together (Liu et al., 2007). The CHANS concept is consistent with the Satoyama Initiative which aims to promote sustainable use and management of natural resources in socio-ecological production landscape with the aim of maintaining, rebuilding and revitalizing them for the benefit of biodiversity and human well-being (UNDP/GEF-SGP/ Satoyama Initiative, 2011). GEF SGP Nepal believes that global environmental problems can best be addressed through meaningful participation of local people in projects and programmes, which can be achieved through provision of direct economic, social and environmental benefits to local communities. Building synergy with efforts of government agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations and donor community, and addressing areas which compliment government's priorities are other major considerations in the OP6 strategic planning. The experience from implementation of the past GEF SGP projects shows that CSOs and CBOs play key roles in addressing the local environmental and development concerns. In recognition of their key facilitator roles, the grants in the OP6 will be made available directly to CSOs and CBOs. Landscape approach to implementation will be a key initiative in OP6, which is a new theme for GEF SGP Nepal. This approach promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, enhances the resilience

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of ecosystems, and protects and restores the landscape resources that sustain the lives of local human communities (Kumar et al., 2015). Moreover, the landscape approach, which takes a holistic, integrated approach toward improved land management, could help establish sustainable development strategies to help in the effort to adapt to impacts of climate change and mitigate them. 4. GEF SGP Country Programme Niche 4.1 Thematic and geographic focuses The GEF SGP aims to deliver global environmental benefits in the GEF focal areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, protection of international waters, prevention of land degradation (primarily desertification and deforestation), and elimination of Chemicals and persistent organic pollutants through community-based approaches. In the OP6 period, the GEF SGP Nepal will primarily focus its activities in the following thematic areas. Priority will be given to those aspects of the thematic focal areas that compliment government's identified priorities related to GEF-6 strategic priorities. Priority will also be given to projects initiated and implemented by women, youth, Indigenous peoples, Dalits and other disadvantaged and marginalized social groups.

a. Reclamation of degraded public and community lands, particularly focusing on (but not limited to) shifting cultivation areas in the Chitwan-Makwanpur landscape.

b. Promotion of green economy and enhancement of local livelihoods through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises (such as NTFPs, ecotourism etc.).

c. Promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification, and promotion of good agricultural

practices, including innovative climate smart agriculture. The latter involves making agricultural production systems more productive, use inputs more efficiently, and making them more resilient to risks, shocks and long-term climate variability. Climate smart agriculture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions per unit of land and/or agricultural product and increase carbon sinks thereby contributing to the mitigation of climate change (FAO, 2013).

d. Promotion of renewable and alternative energy and efficiency in use of energy by building on and further expanding of the past successful initiatives.

e. Conservation of globally and nationally important ecosystems (such as World Heritage Sites,

Important Bird Areas, nationally unique forest ecosystems), and endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna.

f. Conservation of wetlands, focusing on the globally and nationally important wetlands (e.g.

Ramsar sites), particularly those located within the selected landscapes.

g. Conservation of agro-and forest genetic resources, and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from conservation of these resources.

h. Implementation of the government's recently developed Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) policy in the GEF SGP landscapes by encouraging co-funding from the private sector.

i. Implementation of community based REDD+in feasible areas.

j. Management of forest and wildfires that cause loss of biodiversity and contribute to global warming.

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k. Public awareness and participation for elimination of Chemical and Persistent Organic Pollutants and its sources, including promotion of environmentally sound waste management practices in hospitals and other health care facilities.

l. Strengthening of CSO-government policy and planning dialogue platforms for conservation

initiatives.

m. Promoting gender mainstreaming and social inclusion in GEF SGP focal area related conservation initiatives

n. Creating awareness and empowering local communities to participate in national and global

environmental concerns. During the OP6 period, the GEF SGP Nepal will concentrate most of its financial and technical assistance within the five selected landscapes scattered across the country that cover a total area of 13,799 square kilometers (Figure 2; Table 3; Annex 1). Around 70 percent of the total grant is expected to be allocated to projects within these geographical areas. Figure 2: Location of the five landscapes to be targeted in the OP6 period

Table 3: Landscapes selected for implementation of GEF SGP projects in the OP6 period Landscape Area

(km2) Key characteristics/justification for the selection

Kailali-Bardia

2,698

Includes important biodiversity areas, including habitats of critically endangered Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and threatened blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) species; predominantly inhabited by indigenous Tharu people.

Lumbini 1,229 High value Sal (Shorea robusta) forest ecosystem stretching over the lowland Terai-Madhesh and Chure ecological zones; prime habitat of threatened saras crane (Grus antigone); includes a Ramsar wetland (Jagdishpur), and Lumbini - an important religious and culture site and a national pride.

Panchase 4,551 Includes Panchase Protection Forest, which is one of the last remaining storehouses of mountain forest biodiversity in the country, including many

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endemic species of orchids; includes some important natural and Ramsar listed wetlands (such as Phewa, Rupa and Begnaslakes in the Pokhara Valley); predominantly inhabited by indigenous Gurung people.

Chitwan-Makwanpur

2,189 Includes fragile Chure mountainous region inhabited by disadvantaged indigenous Chepang and Tamang communities where GEF SGP Nepal has past experience of implementing successful projects.

Morang-Jhapa-Ilam

3,132 Includes the Chure-Bhavar stretch of Morang, Jhapa and Ilam districts that harbours valuable floral and faunal species. The landscape includes a unique Tarai block forest ecosystem called Jalthal that has exceptionally high biological and cultural value, and several important natural wetlands, including a Ramsar site (i.e. Mai Pokhari). The foothills serve as a key cross-country (i.e. Nepal-India) biological corridor for wild elephants. The site also represents a very high cultural diversity of indigenous peoples. Lowlands are inhabited by indigenous Dhimal, Meche, Satar, and Rajbanshi communities and the uplands by other indigenous people (such as Limbu, Rai).

The rest of the available GEF SGP funds (i.e. 30%) can go to any other projects selected by the GEF SGP Nepal Steering Committee based on the set criteria. The STAR allocation fund will be used for the three focal areas, namely biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation as per the guidelines set by the GEF.A total of USD 1.6 million (out of USD 8.9 million available for Nepal) STAR fund is expected to be available for SGP Nepal in the OP6 period for these three areas. 4.2 Contribution of the GEF SGP OP6 activities to Nepal's national priorities related to GEF-6 Strategic Priorities The GEF SGP Nepal will use its OP6 resources to support the implementation of national priorities in relation to GEF-6 strategic priorities (Table 4). This will be done by facilitating and coordinating the GEF SGP grantees (CSOs and CBOs) to orient their activities towards contributing to achievement of relevant national priorities. Table 4: GEF SGP contribution to national priorities in relation to GEF-6 strategic priorities GEF-6 Strategic Priorities

GEF SGP-Nepal's Strategic Initiatives

Related National Priorities

Priorities References

Maintain globally significant biodiversity and the ecosystem goods and services that it provides to society

Community landscape conservation; wetlands conservation; conservation of important forest ecosystems, endemic and threatened species, and agro-genetic resources

Conservation of forests, protected areas, wetlands, rangelands, landscapes, biodiversity and critical ecosystems with active participation of local communities; conservation of critical landscapes; further strengthening of on-farm conservation of agrobiodiversity; mainstreaming biodiversity across the government, society and economy

NPC 2003; Herbs and NTFP Development Policy 2004; MOFSC 2004; National Wetlands Policy 2012; MOFALD, 2013; MOFSC 2014; NPC 2015b.

Sustainable land management in production systems (agriculture, rangelands, and

Community landscape conservation; strengthening the value chains, promotion and mainstreaming of

Strengthening of production sectors; increased agricultural production; integrated landscapes management; conservation of critical landscapes; promotion of environment-friendly farming systems (e.g. organic

MOAD 2014; Forest Policy 2015; National Land Use Policy 2012; Rangeland

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forest landscapes)

crop diversification, promotion of good agricultural practices, including innovative climate smart agro-ecology

farming, minimum tillage) and climate-smart agricultural programmes; entrepreneurship development in agriculture and forestry

Policy 2012; MOFSC 2014; NPC 2015a.

Promotion of collective management of trans-boundary water systems and implementation of the policy, legal, and institutional reforms and investments contributing to sustainable use and maintenance of ecosystem services

Community landscape conservation; increasing awareness and community participation for conservation of wetlands; promotion of PES; capacity building

Establishment of effective regional cooperation mechanism among Nepal, India and Bangladesh to conserve valuable and threatened aquatic fauna and associated ecosystems; maintenance of unhindered north-south biological connectivity in at least three major rivers; controlling industrial pollution in five major rivers and five major wetlands by 2020; controlling invasive alien species in wetlands; effective implementation of EIA provisions relating to hydropower and water resources development projects; enhancement of wetland biodiversity-livelihood linkages; promotion of PES.

MOFSC 2014; NPC 2015b; Water Resource Strategy 2002.

Support to transformational shifts towards a low-emission and resilient development path

Promotion/expansion of renewable and alternative energy, implementation of PES, REDD+, and promotion of green economy through forest and agro microenterprises

Promotion of alternative energy (hydro, bio, solar, ICS); assessment of climate change vulnerability of ecosystems and species and implementation of adaptation measures; implementation of PES and REDD+ where feasible

Rural Energy Policy 2006; Climate Change Policy 2011;Lohani and Baral 2011; MOFSC 2014.

Enhance capacity of countries to implement multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) and mainstream into national and sub-national policy, planning, financial and legal frameworks

All areas, in particular CSO-government dialogues, and knowledge management platforms

Enhancing the capacity of local CSOs and CBOs that are working to support government's development efforts; integrating gender and social inclusion perspectives in relevant plans, policies, strategies and programmes; formulation and implementation of GSI strategy at all level of government; ensuring equitable access of women and man, including disadvantaged social groups to natural resources and benefit sharing; promotion of synergy among various legislations; harmonization of national reporting of CBD, CITES, and Ramsar; establishment of National Biodiversity Information Management System; upgrading of National Clearing House Mechanism.

NPC 2002; MOFSC 2014; Genetic Resources (Access, Use and Benefit Sharing) Related Bill 2001(draft).

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4.3 Contribution of GEF SGP OP6 activities to achieving the objectives of international conventions, treaties, and agreements Contribution to achieving the objectives of relevant global and regional conventions, treaties or agreements in which Nepal is a part of will be an important strategy of GEF SGP Nepal during the OP6 period. This will be achieved through necessary facilitation and coordination of GEF SGP projects implemented by CSOs and CBOs (Table 5). Table 5: Major environmental conventions and national strategic plans related to GEF SGP Nepal OP6 initiatives International conventions and national planning frameworks

Date of ratification/ completion/implementation

Example GEF SGP Nepal OP6 initiatives

UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

Adopted in Rio de Janeiro on5 Jun 1992; Ratified by Nepal on 23 Nov. 1993; Entered into force on 29 Dec. 1993

Conservation of unique ecosystems, including wetlands; conservation of endemic and threatened species, and agro-genetic resources; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification; community conservation of landscapes.

CBD National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

Approved by the Council of Ministers and came into implementation on 20 Jul. 2014

Conservation of unique ecosystems, including wetlands; conservation of endemic and threatened species, and agro-genetic resources; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification; community conservation of landscapes.

Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)

Opened for signature on10 Oct. 2010 (Nepal is yet to sign the Protocol)

Conservation of terrestrial and wetland biodiversity and agro genetic resources, and equitable sharing of the benefits; promotion of green economy and enhancement of livelihoods of disadvantaged local communities through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Opened for signature on 09 May 1992; Ratified by Nepal on 2 Jun. 1994; Entered into force on 31 Jul. 1994

Promotion/expansion of renewable and alternative energy; promotion of green economy and innovative climate smart agro-ecology.

UNFCCC National Communications

Second communication in Dec.2014


National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA)

Prepared and came into implementation in Nov. 2010


UN Convention to Combat Désertifications (UNCCD), 1994

Signed on12 Oct. 1995 Ratified on 15 Oct. 1996 Entered into force on 13 Jan. 1997

Reclamation/restoration of degraded public and community lands.

UNCCD National Action Programmes (NAP)

Prepared in Apr. 2004 Reclamation/restoration of degraded public and community lands;

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promotion of good agricultural practices.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Signed on 05 Apr. 2002; Ratified by Nepal on 06 Mar. 2007.

Public awareness and participation for elimination of Chemicals, POPs and its sources; promotion of environmentally sound management of hospital wastes.

Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (The Tenth Plan 2002-2007)

Prepared and approved on 16 Oct. 2003

All of the GEF SGP initiatives relating to biodiversity and land degradation.

GEF National Capacity Self-Assessment (NCSA)

Assessment completed and reports prepared in 2008

All of the GEF SGP initiatives relating to biodiversity, climate change, and land degradation.

National Wetlands Policy Revised the 2003 policy in 2012

Conservation of wetlands

World Heritage Convention

Adopted in Paris on 16 Nov. 1972; Entered into force on 20 Sep. 1978

Conservation of the landscapes

CITES

Adoptedon 03 Mar. 1973; Acceded by Nepal on 18 Jun. 1975; Entered into force on 16 Sep. 1975

Conservation of endemic and threatened species

Convention on Wetlands on International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar)

Entered into force on 17 Apr.1988

Conservation of wetlands and species (especially endemic and threatened species)

Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development

Approved by the Council of Ministers in Jul. 2015

All of the GEF SGP initiatives

4.4 Contribution of GEF SGP OP6 activities to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals The GEF SGP contributes to solving many of the world’s environmental problems while ensuring sustainable local livelihoods through a country-driven, responsive grassroots approach. The GEF SGP Nepal funded projects under this strategy are expected to contribute to achieving several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including substantial contribution to achieving the Goal 15 (Table 6). Table 6: Expected contributions of GEF SGP Nepal OP6 projects in achieving the SDGs SDG GEF SGP Nepal OP6 initiatives contributing to achieving the GoalGoal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.

Promotion of green economy and enhancement of local livelihoods through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification, promotion of good agricultural practices.

Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Promotion of green economy and enhancement of local livelihoods through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification, promotion of good agricultural practices; promotion of innovative climate smart agro-ecology.

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower

Priority to forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises initiated and implemented by women and other disadvantaged social groups; capacity

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all women and girls. building activities specifically targeting to women, indigenous peoples and members of other disadvantaged social groups (such as dalits). The CPS also supports the gender and social inclusion aspects of the NBSAP (2014), the Community Forestry Development Guidelines (2009), and the Ministry of Environment framework on promoting the involvement of women and indigenous populations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Promotion of green economy; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification, promotion of good agricultural practices; promotion of innovative climate smart agro-ecology.

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Promotion of renewable energy; support implementation of the government's PES and REDD+ policies; promotion of green economy; promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification, promotion of good agricultural practices, including innovative climate smart agriculture.

Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

Almost all of the GEF SGP OP6 initiatives will contribute to achieving this Goal. Some of the specific initiatives that directly contribute include conservation of landscapes, wetlands, unique and threatened forest ecosystems, endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna, and agro-genetic resources; reclamation/restoration of degraded public and community lands; and promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification.

Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Community conservation of landscapes and biodiversity; reclamation and conversion of shifting cultivation and other degraded public and community lands used by disadvantaged communities into productive systems; capacity strengthening of local communities and institutions (CSOs, CBOs; user groups); equitable sharing of the benefits arising from conservation of biological resources; enhancement of local livelihoods through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises.

4.5 Potential of GEF SGP OP6 activities for complementary and synergy with UNDP Nepal and GEF funded other projects The GEF SGP Nepal funded projects and activities to be implemented in the OP6 period will complement several of the UNDP Nepal initiatives, particularly those related to enterprise development, social cohesion and resilience. Mainstreaming of adaptation to climate change at the community level, uptake of GEF SGP projects’ local lessons into relevant national and sub-national policies and development programmes, and scaling up practices and sharing knowledge for replication of community based adaptation experiences are some of the specific initiatives of the government and UNDP that will be supported by the GEF SGP in OP6. Moreover, GEF SGP projects will serve as the delivery mechanisms for UNDP-promoted capacity enhancement and environmental governance initiatives through its Grantmaker+ and Gender and Social Inclusion related activities. One of the approaches to achieving synergy of GEF SGP with UNDP’s works in the country will be to collaborate with reliable CSOs with whom UNDP or its partners have established working relations. GEF SGP projects are also expected to contribute to achieving the objectives of the Satoyama Initiative through support to innovations identified by local communities for biodiversity conservation, promotion of ecosystem services, agro-ecosystem management, development of alternative livelihoods, and strengthening of governance systems at the landscape level.

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5. The Strategy 5.1 Goal and objectives Goal: Environmental and livelihood benefits secured in the GEF focal areas through community-based initiatives and actions. Objectives: Objective 1: To enhance local livelihoods and environmental benefits by improving the quality and productivity of degraded lands through application of local indigenous knowledge and scientific techniques. Objective 2: To improve management of natural resources in selected landscapes through integrated community based interventions, in alignment with GEF OP6 strategic and national priorities. Objective 3: To help mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change through promotion of alternative energy technologies, energy saving measures, and innovative climate-smart agriculture. Objective 4: To improve conservation of endemic and threatened species and genetic resources, and enhance resilience of ecosystems in GEF SGP intervention areas. Objective 5: To strengthen community and civil society constituencies for GEF priorities through targeted awareness raising and capacity building activities, and promoting gender mainstreaming and social inclusion. Objective 6: To inform and influence wider sustainable development policy and practice through codification and exchange of good practices from GEF SGP activities. 5.2 Grant-making strategies GEF SGP Nepal’s grant-making in OP6 will be focused on: (a) reclamation of degraded public and community lands, (b) conservation of globally and/or nationally recognized critical ecosystems, wetlands, and endemic and threatened species, (c) promotion of green economy and enhancement of local livelihoods through forest and agriculture based micro-enterprises, (d) promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification and climate-smart agriculture, (e) promotion of renewable and alternative energy and efficiency in use of energy, (f) innovative institutional and financial mechanisms to support targeted local communities, and expand, sustain and upscale the value and impact of projects nationally and globally, (g) meaningful contribution of projects to enhance local livelihoods, especially the livelihoods of women and other disadvantaged social groups through conservation-friendly and climate-smart activities, and (h) effective and systematic enhancement of capacity of civil society stakeholders as a key factor for environmental sustainability. The grants will be made available directly to the CSOs and CBOs in recognition of the key facilitator roles that they play as a resource and constituency for environment and development concerns. As in the OP5, the GEF SGP Nepal will fund up to USD 50,000 for a project. However, up to a maximum of USD 100,000 grant can be allocated for strategic project initiatives that cover a large number of communities within the selected landscapes. Grant allocations in OP6 will primarily take into account of the following factors.

Local orientation of the project proponents Thematic focus Contribution to geographic landscape Innovativeness Presence of or access to relevant technical human resources

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Experience in rural/community development Experience in GEF focal areas and operational programmes Linkages with focal area and livelihood or enterprise Level of co-funding (in cash and in kind) committed General impressions on the proposal and the project proponent. The project proposal will be

assessed in view of its management credibility, reliability and project’s technical soundness, scope of replication and upscaling, sustainability and knowledge product development.

5.3 Grant-maker+ strategies A key element of GEF SGP Nepal's approach in OP6 will be to enhance its role as a Grantmaker+ programme by strategically planning for the provision of services needed for achievement of greater portfolio impact. This will be done through selective use of capacity development grants as well as non-grant support services to be extended by the GEF SGP National Programme Coordination Office staff, networks and partnerships. The GEF SGP National Steering Committee members will extend their supports using their own time and efforts. The activities are expected to promote partnership building, networking and policy development within the selected landscapes or outside. GEF SGP Nepal's Grantmaker+ efforts will be oriented to building capacities to organize effective community and civil society constituencies that can support government decisions and policy-making on GEF priority areas and be able to contribute in the local, national, and global environmental governance. Capacity building of communities, CSO and CBO grantees, which was an important component of GEF SGP Nepal in the past, will continue in OP6. Special attempt will also be made to building institutional capacity directed at strengthening the grantee networks as well as other civil society networks supporting GEF concerns. 5.3.1. CSO-Government dialogue platform With the objectives of promoting role of CSOs as a “bridge” between and among the grassroots communities and their organizations, and also between them and the national planners and policy-makers, the GEF SGP Nepal will support establishment of dialogue platforms across the selected themes. Some examples include: (i) national, landscape or district level forums to share experiences and lessons of different projects related to a particular thematic area, (ii) joint publication of project profiles and other scientific reports, and (iii) local networks of agro-seeds producers, horticulture or organic farmers, relevant CSOs, CBOs, and relevant local government agencies. The dialogue platforms are expected to facilitate the uptake of good practices, and enhance communications among key stakeholders. Moreover, the platform can be used to communicate the experiences and lessons learnt from GEF SGP-funded projects to inform and influence policy at the local, regional and national levels. The platform at the national level can be managed by a suitable academic or training institution. Efforts will be made to network all GEF SGP grantees to allow for information exchange and sharing of experiences. 5.3.2. Promoting social inclusion There are several crucial barriers that limit full participation by women, dalits and other disadvantaged social groups in development activities in Nepal. Widespread gender biased attitudes, limited access of women to productive resources, and unfavorable conditions for women for participation and learning are some of such major barriers. High illiteracy rates, domination of dalits by other caste groups, poverty, and geographical remoteness are other key factors that act as barriers (ADB, 2010).Usually there is a lack of recognition of the forest based knowledge and skills of women and indigenous communities, which is speculated to have negative effects on forest conservation (WWF, 2013).

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The GEF SGP Nepal’s social inclusion strategy in OP6 will be oriented to contribute to the GEF Policy on Gender Mainstreaming (2011), which states that “the GEF Secretariat and GEF Partner Agencies shall strive to attain the goal of gender equality, the equal treatment of women and men, including the equal access to resources and services through its operations.” The policy states that “to accomplish this goal, the GEF Secretariat and GEF Partner Agencies shall mainstream gender into their operations, including efforts to analyze systematically and address the specific needs of both women and men in GEF projects.” The GEF SGP Nepal will strive to promote removal of the institutional and structural barriers to gender and social inclusion at different levels. It will also encourage and promote increased participation and benefit sharing by women, dalits and other disadvantaged social groups in managing forest and other natural resources for improved livelihoods. Emphasis will be given to capacity building of women, and other disadvantaged social groups for their meaningful participation in decision making processes. Engaging and empowering women and marginalized people in equitable sharing of benefits through meaningful participation in the GEF SGP-funded initiatives is another priority strategy. Integrating Gender and Social Inclusion dimensions in all thematic and cross-cutting components of the country programme; enhancing capacity of CSOs and other partners and stakeholders to enable women and socially excluded groups to claim their rights in natural resources management; promoting a favorable institutional and policy environment for mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion in GEF SGP focal themes (such as biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation) are some of the specific strategies to be implemented in OP6 period. The recently promulgated constitution of the Federal Republic of Nepal is expected to provide a strong basis for greater participation of women, disadvantaged social groups, and indigenous communities in different levels of government, access to opportunities, aid packages, and public services. 5.3.3. Knowledge management strategy Knowledge management will be an integral component of the GEF SGP Nepal in OP6. The objective of the programme's knowledge management efforts is to leverage lessons learned from the past GEF SGP projects, to replicate the successes in other suitable areas, and to inform and positively influence the relevant policies and practices. The concept is to use the power of knowledge to improve effectiveness and efficiency and to demonstrate the projects' impacts. The GEF SGP Nepal’s knowledge management strategy in OP6 comprises of the following main components: a) Collection of information to monitor and evaluate the project portfolio. Every GEF SGP grantee is expected to document the best practices and lessons learned and share these with GEF SGP office for entry into the country database and with other stakeholders and grantees. The success stories are documented and highlighted for replication and development of best practice guidelines. b) Analysis and codification of lessons learned. The country programme will review, analyze, and codify results of the on-the-ground actions in the selected landscapes and elsewhere to distill and disseminate lessons which can be used for replication in other areas within the country and in other parts of the world. c) Effective and efficient dissemination of the knowledge gained. The knowledge gained from implementation of the projects, particularly information on model projects and success stories, will be published in the UNDP and partners' (government and non-government) monthly e-newsletters, reports and other national as well as local print media. Audio-visual production of selected successful projects and dissemination through electronic media would be another strategy. The GEF SGP Nepal website will be reviewed and updated to make it more informative and user friendly. Review and learning workshops can be organized periodically to share experiences and lessons learned and to

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form a network of expertise for sharing of locally acceptable technologies and information pertinent to their need and for extending partnership for development. Observation tours to model projects and demonstration sites will be highly encouraged to individuals from civil society, local, provincial and national governments, UNDP, and other relevant local, national and international stakeholders. d) Knowledge uptake for application and improvement. Stakeholders will be encouraged to apply the knowledge gained about good practices, replicate those practices in other suitable areas, and use the information to formulate or improve policy. 5.3.4. Communications strategy An effective communication strategy and mechanisms is necessary to actively engage and update the concerned GEF SGP Nepal stakeholders. Information sources such as database, website, popular publications, and documentaries can be developed for greater awareness and dissemination. The GEF SGP office will make efforts to establish an effective and efficient south Asian regional network to exchange ideas, practices, knowledge, innovations, technologies and policy through the internet. 6. Expected Results In OP6 period, the GEF SGP Nepal’s initiatives and activities are expected to achieve the following broad outcomes. Outcome 1:Successful implementation of the landscape approach to management of natural resources in the five selected landscapes thereby promoting sustainable use of the natural resources; enhancing the resilience of ecosystems; and protecting and restoring the landscape resources that sustain the lives of local communities. Outcome 2: Improved quality and productivity of degraded public and community lands through application of appropriate technologies (such as agroforestry, SALT) and indigenous knowledge thereby enhancing the local livelihoods and environmental benefits. Outcome 3:Enhanced community resiliency in climate change and adaptation through promotion or further expansion of alternative energy technologies, increased application of energy efficiency and energy saving measures, promotion of innovative climate-smart agriculture, REDD+, and effective management of forest and wildfires. Outcome 4: Improved conservation of globally and nationally important wetlands, forest ecosystems, species, and agro-genetic resources in the GEF SGP intervention areas, through community based innovative approaches. Outcome 5: Increased awareness and empowerment of women and other disadvantaged social groups, indigenous peoples and local communities in the programme intervention areas to participate in local, national and global environmental concerns, and achievement of increased financial, social and environmental benefits from the participation. Description of the expected results in relation to selected OP6 project components is presented in Table 7.

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Table 7: Expected results in relation to selected OP6 project components

GEF SGP OP6 components

CPS components CPS targets* Indicators Means of verification

Example activities (typology of projects)

Related Outcome

Community Landscape Conservation

Sustainable management of natural resources

50 ha. within the five selected landscapes

Area (ha.) of landscapes applying conservation and sustainable use practices

Project completion, and monitoring reports

Outcome 1, 2, 5

Conservation of wetlands

Two globally or nationally important wetlands

Number and area (ha.) of wetlands restored and/or conserved


Wetlands restoration, protection, and sustainable management

Outcome 1, 4

Conservation of ecosystems and species

50 ha. globally or nationally significant ecosystems/habitats

Area (ha.) of globally or nationally significant ecosystems/habitats protected or sustainably managed


Ecosystem based adaptation to climate change effects; community based conservation of significant habitats, corridors, bottlenecks and climate refugia

Outcome 1, 4

Two endemic and/or threatened species and varieties of flora and fauna

Number of endemic and/or threatened species and varieties with maintained or improved conservation status

Project completion, and monitoring reports; agency reports; interviews

Community based conservation of habitats of endemic and threatened species; community seed/gene banks; conservation of wild relatives of cultivated species

Outcome 4

Reclamation of degraded lands

10 ha. of degraded public and community land will be reclaimed

Area (ha.) of degraded land reclaimed and put under improved land use and climate proofing practices

Project completion, monitoring,and agency reports

Reforestation/afforestation of degraded lands; management of regeneration; agro-forestry; soil and water conservation

Outcome 1, 2

10 ha. of agriculture and forest land will be brought under sustainable

Area (ha.) of land under sustainable forest, agricultural and water management practices

Project completion, and monitoring reports; agency reports

Sustainable management of natural and plantation forests; agro-forestry

Outcome 1, 2, 5

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management Implementation of PES in feasible areas

At least five PES schemes will be initiated or supported

Number of PES schemes initiated or supported in SGP intervention areas

Project completion and monitoring reports; interviews

PES projects Outcome 1, 3

Community REDD+ and wildfire management

At least one REDD+ and one wildfire management schemes will be initiated or supported

Number of REDD+ and wildfire schemes initiated or supported in SGP intervention areas

Project completion and monitoring reports

REDD+ and wildfire projects

Outcome 1, 5

Climate- smart innovative agriculture

Promotion and mainstreaming of crop diversification

At least two ha. agriculture land will be brought under increased crop diversity

Area (ha.) brought under increased crop diversity

Project completion, monitoring and agency reports

Relevant training and capacity building, study tours, demonstration projects

Outcome 3, 4

Promotion of good agricultural practices

At least 100 households will be practicing organic and conservation-friendly agriculture

Number of farmer households practicing organic agriculture and other conservation-friendly agricultural and soil management systems


Relevant training and capacity building projects; study tours; production and distribution of quality seeds of native species

Outcome 1, 3, 4

Low carbon energy access co-benefits

Promotion of renewable energy, and efficiency in use of energy

At least one innovative locally adapted energy solutions developed and demonstrated

Number of innovations developed and demonstrated

Project completion and monitoring reports

Innovative energy projects Outcome 3

At least one renewable energy production and energy efficiency units established

Tonnes of CO2 avoided by implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures

Project completion, monitoring and agency reports; interviews

Projects related to solar, biogas, improved stoves etc.

Outcome 3

At least 250 additional households achieving access to renewable energy

Number of households in SGP intervention areas deploying innovative low-GHG technologies

Project completion, and monitoring reports; agency reports; interviews

Clean energy projects (such as solar, biogas, improved stoves) that directly benefit rural households

Outcome 3

Elimination of POPs and

Public awareness and participation for

At least one ton of POPs and other

Quantity of POPs and other hazardous wastes safely

Project completion, and monitoring

Promotion of environmentally sound

Outcome 5

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chemical wastes

elimination of POPs and its sources

hazardous wastes disposed appropriately

disposed reports waste management practices in hospitals and other health care facilities

CSO-government policy and planning dialogue platforms

Strengthening of CSO-government policy and planning dialogue platforms

At least one local networks of NGOs/CSOs/CBOs established with relevant local government agencies

Number and type of support linkages established with local government agencies


All Outcomes

At least five districts, landscape, provincial or national level forums established to share experiences and lessons of different projects related to a particular thematic area

Number and type of forums or support linkages established with landscape, provincial or national level institutions


All Outcomes

Promoting social inclusion

Promoting gender mainstreaming and social inclusion

Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion considerations applied by all GEF SGP grantees, SGP staff, NSC members and partners

Type and number of gender mainstreaming and social inclusion considerations applied

Annual monitoring reports

Relevant cross-cutting projects/activities

Outcome 5

Promoting meaningful participation of women, youth, dalits and indigenous local peoples in GEF SGP activities

At least 10 new CBOs headed by these social groups formed or registered in the SGP intervention areas

Number of new CBOs formed or registered



Outcome 2, 5

At least 20 representation of these social groups in

Number of representation of these social groups in CBOs, NGOs, and other local



Outcome 5

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CSOs, CBOs, and other local bodies’ executive committee within the OP6 period

bodies’ executive committees in SGP intervention areas

Implementation of targeted economic activities for enhancement of women, and other disadvantaged social groups’ livelihoods

At least 500 local households, and 2500 individuals (gender disaggregated) would be receiving livelihood benefits from GEF SGP initiatives

Number of disadvantaged households and individuals (gender disaggregated) who have benefited from SGP projects

Project completion, and monitoring reports; agency reports; interviews with the beneficiaries

Relevant local micro-enterprises, and other income generating projects

Outcome 1, 5

At least 10 percent projects will be initiated and managed by women, and other disadvantaged social groups

Percentage of projects initiated and managed by women, dalits and other disadvantaged social groups


Relevant local micro-enterprises, and other income generating projects

Outcome 1, 5

Giving special focus to women, disabled, and other disadvantaged social groups in awareness raising and capacity building activities aimed at empowering local communities

At least 15 awareness raising and capacity building events will be organized in GEF SGP intervention areas within the OP6 period

Type and number of awareness raising and capacity building events will be organized


Stakeholder workshops, proposal development workshops, training and other activities

Outcome 1, 5

* The targets set here, which are based on consultations and experience of the professionals involved in the CPS development, give only a rough idea of the targets. More realistic targets will be set by each of the future GEF SGP-funded projects.

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7. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 7.1 Monitoring and Evaluation guidance note Monitoring involves the collection and analysis of data about project activities. It allows project participants to keep track of project activities to determine whether project objectives are being achieved, and if not, what changes are necessary to improve the project performance. Evaluation considers the results and effects of a project in terms of the local, national and global environment and the quality of human life. The M&E is required at the project level, national level and global level. The GEF SGP Nepal views M&E as an important component of projects. No project can be approved without an M&E plan, including quantifiable indicators and targets, where possible. Occasional group meetings and workshops of project managers and other key stakeholders will be organized to review and revise monitoring strategies that are best suited for the types of field projects being funded by GEF SGP Nepal. The GEF SGP Country Programme Coordination office will analyse the M&E reports submitted by individual projects to keep track of the projects’ progress and give feedback to the organizations to make corrections where necessary. The projects will be visited preferably once in six months, or at least before the release of the second and third installments. The visiting team will interact extensively with the implementing CSO/CBO and other project stakeholders, and will also directly observe the progress in the field. Feedback, comments and suggestions will be given in writing to the implementing organization and reported to the National Coordinator and National Steering Committee. The release of the second and third installments shall be dependent on satisfactory reports from the organization and the visiting team. Public auditing of projects will be encouraged in order to maintain financial transparency and contribute to result-based management approach. Final evaluation may be done in a workshop mode, where the implementing organization and the stakeholders will together reflect on and evaluate the project and its outcomes. 7.2 Monitoring and Evaluation of individual GEF SGP projects At the project level, the M&E facilitates the identification and resolution of problems, enhances project performance and ensures congruence with the GEF criteria. It also provides the basis for technical and financial accountability, builds local capacity to implement and manage projects successfully, and promote the identification and dissemination of lessons learned by participants themselves. GEF SGP Nepal encourages capacity building initiatives for grantees to enhance their skills and performance for producing higher impacts of the project intervention. GEF SGP Nepal will continue to adopt participatory approach to project monitoring and assessment, which involves early consultation with the community members and stakeholders about project design, the problems to be addressed, and potential courses of action to be taken. Participatory research can be used to assess the baseline situation, to make an agreement on project concept, and to bring consensus about the project objectives and activities. A simple structure of the project level M&E plan is presented in Table 8.

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Table 8. M&E plan at the project level M&E Activity Responsible Parties Timeframe/Scope Participatory project monitoring Grantees Throughout the project period

Baseline data collection1 Grantees At project concept planning and proposal stage

Interim progress report, project completion report along with financial reports Grantees At each disbursement request

Project workplans Grantees Duration of project Project proposal site visit (as necessary) NC/PA/NSC Before project approval, or as

appropriate Project monitoring site visit (as necessary)

NC/PA/NSC On average once per year, or as appropriate

NC project evaluation site visit (as necessary)

NC/PA/NSC At end of project, or as appropriate

Prepare project description to be incorporated into national and global project database

Grantees/PA/NC During and after project period

7.3 Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the country programme At the country programme level, the M&E is institutionalized and taken as a part of the process for learning, sharing and replicating the best practices and lessons learned. Structure of the country programme level M&E plan is presented in Table 9. Table 9. M&E Plan at the Country Programme Level

M&E Activity Responsible Parties Timeframe/Scope Strategic country portfolio review NSC, NC Once during OP6 NSC meetings NSC, NC Minimum twice a year Performance and results assessment (PRA) of NC performance

NC, NSC, UNDP CO, CPMT, UNOPS

Once a year

7.4 Reporting plan Each GEF SGP grantee shall prepare a first interim progress report and project completion report as per the format attached with Memorandum of Agreement. The interim progress report basically focuses on major activities implemented during the reporting period against the work plan, progress made, emerging issues and challenges and their coping strategies. It also includes financial report, bank statement and a clear picture of co-funding (cash and kind) with evidence. The project completion report summarizes the progress against its overall objectives and outcomes. It should also incorporate assessment of good practices and lessons learned. Grantees are required to submit a project completion report at the end of the project period. The first interim report should also include work plan for the next level of project implementation and necessary supporting documents. The project completion report highlights the fulfillment of the objectives, its anticipated outcomes and assessment of best practices and lessons learned. The draft project completion report is prepared

1 Capacity-development workshops and M&E trainings may be organized in relation to innovative techniques for community monitoring, including new technologies (i.e. GPS-enabled cameras, aerial photos, participatory GIS, etc.); as well as in response to guidelines for “climate proofing” of GEF focal area interventions; REDD+ standards; and/or other specific donor/co-financing requirements.

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immediately after the project completion period. The final report is submitted within two months of receiving feedback and suggestions on the draft report. GEF SGP office may ask grantees to furnish required information and photographs on the project activities even after the project completion. 8. Resource Mobilization Plan In OP6, GEF SGP Nepal will make the following additional efforts to develop partnerships with local and international agencies and private sector to attract non-GEF funds to support the GEF SGP country programme.

The links of GEF SGP with other UNDP-supported programmes and similar programmes funded by bilateral and multilateral donors (e.g. JICA, GIZ, USAID, Swiss, ADB, World Bank), INGOs (e.g. CARE, IUCN, WWF), government agencies (local and national), and regional organisations (e.g. ICIMOD) will be further consolidated, expanded, and strengthened. Special efforts will be made to link the programme with the Satoyama Initiative.

Project proponents will be encouraged to obtain leverage funding from other donors, and private sector aside from the GEF SGP grants. Additional funding from GEF SGP may also be considered after completion of the first phase of the project.

Diverse activities will be promoted to generate internal core funds of the grantees, but this

will be done in such a way that unnecessary burden does not fall upon poor communities. Resource mobilisation through partnership arrangements as cost-sharing and /or parallel funding will be encouraged.

The possibility of establishing, in other areas, the type of Community Environment Trust Fund initiated earlier by the Samudayik Digo Bikash Karyakram (SADIKA) in Salyan and Sustainable Development Facility (SDF) in Surkhet with the support from GEF SGP will be explored.

CBOs will be supported to improve their internal governance to make them as self-governing and self-sustaining institutions. Such CBOs, with the support of I/NGOs, are expected to attract matching funds from resources of the VDCs, DDCs and others, for carrying out community development activities.

An advisory group can be set up to guide and monitor the above activities so that resource

mobilization and implementation of funds takes place effectively and transparently. The co-financing policy of GEF SGP Nepal in OP6 will be based on the past best practice, reflective of the nature of the programme as a demand-driven, grant-making entity duly considerate of the context and situation of the community and civil society stakeholders. 9. Risk Management Plan Potential risks to the GEF SGP Nepal can be categorized as the programmatic risks, and operational risks. Example of programmatic risks include the challenge of working with CSOs and CBOs that have a low level of technical and management capacity, and delays in programme implementation by CSOs and CBOs due to change in government policies or issuance of new directives. Programmatic risks have the potential to affect the ability of GEF SGP national programme to realize its goal and

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objectives. The risks may also affect day-to-day operations and financial management of the programme. Some of the strategies to manage the programmatic risks include: (i) provision for flexible allocation of grant funding, (ii) clustering and focusing of grant portfolios within the selected five landscapes and focus areas, with the expectation that it will increase impact and reduce cost of monitoring, (iii) enhancing the GEF SGP’s role as a Grantmaker+, which is based on the programme’s experience and assets that were built up over the years and will create value beyond the grant-making by GEF SGP, (iv) increasing resource mobilization from diverse sources and enhancing partnerships with other donor-funded programmes and projects, and (v) strengthening collaborations with well-established and reliable past grantees. While selecting grantees from remote areas, especial consideration will be given to the need for external support and monitoring. The National Steering Committee will provide necessary strategic guidance and oversight and for addressing key any programmatic issues as required. Operational risks are related to the capacity of GEF SGP grantee organization to implement the project successfully. It can be related to the technical capacity of the organization, timely availability of the financial resource (from GEF SGP and non-GEF SGP sources), or other unpredictable factors related to the politics or trade. Potential effects of climate change can be another important risk, particularly with respect to biodiversity and land degradation. One of the strategic measures to dealing with the operational risks will be mandatory provision of a risk analysis and risk management plan in all project proposals seeking grant from GEF SGP Nepal. The projects’ risk management plan framework should identify and briefly describe the identified environmental and social risks that could be associated with a proposed project, judgment of the degree (low, medium or high) of the risk, probability (low, medium, high) of the risk, and risk management or mitigation measures. The risk analysis should state the critical assumptions and external factors upon which the success of project depends. Ensuring social and environmental sustainability is an important objective of the risk management plan, which will be achieved through environmental and social risks screening of projects following the UNDP guidelines. This is required to “enhance positive social and environmental opportunities and benefits as well as ensure that adverse social and environmental risks and impacts are avoided, minimized, mitigated and managed” (UNDP, 2012). References ADB, 2010. Overview of gender equality and social inclusion in Nepal. Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mandaluyong City, Philippines. FAO, 2013.Climate-Smart Agriculture: Sourcebook. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Available online at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/018/i3325e/i3325e00.htm (Accessed on 27 February 2016). GEF-SGP, 2008. The GEF Small Grants Programme Nepal: Project Profiles (Part I). The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), Kathmandu, Nepal. Kumar, C., Saint-Laurent, C., Begeladze, S. and Calmon, M. (eds.). (2015). Enhancing food security through forest landscape restoration: Lessons from Burkina Faso, Brazil, Guatemala, Viet Nam, Ghana, Ethiopia and Philippines. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.

Lohani and Baral, 2011.Conceptual Framework of Low Carbon Strategy for Nepal. Low Carbon Economy, 2:230-238.

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Liu, J., Dietz, T., Carpenter, S. R., Folke, C., Alberti, M., Redman, C. L., Schneider, S. H., Ostrom, E., Pell, A. N. &Lubchenco, J. 2007. Coupled human and natural systems.AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, 36, 639-649. MOAD, 2014.Agriculture Development Strategy (ADS), 2014.Government of Nepal, Ministry of Agricultural Development (MOAD), Kathmandu. MOFALD, 2013. Environment Friendly Local Governance Framework 2013.Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development (MOFALD), Kathmandu. MOFSC, 2004.Terai Arc Landscape - Nepal: Strategic Plan 2004-2014. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MOFSC), Kathmandu, Nepal. MOFSC, 2014. Nepal National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2014-2020. Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MOFSC), Kathmandu, Nepal. NPC, 2002. Tenth Plan (2002-2007). Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission (NPC), Kathmandu. NPC, 2003.Sustainable Development Agenda for Nepal. Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission (NPC), Kathmandu. NPC, 2015a. Nepal Earthquake 2015: Post Disaster Needs Assessment. Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission (NPC), Kathmandu. NPC, 2015b. Nature Conservation National Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development (2015-2030). Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission (NPC), Kathmandu. UNDP, 2012. Environmental and Social Screening Procedure for UNDP Projects: Guidance Note. Available online at: https://info.undp.org/global/.../ESSP_Guidance_19Mar12_English.docx(accessed on 11 March 2016) UNDP/GEF-SGP/Satoyama Initiative, 2011. Nepal Country Program Landscape Strategy for Community Development and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative (COMDEKS; 2011-2013). UNEP, 2014.Report on activities of the Global Environment Facility in relation to the Minamata Convention during the interim period. Intergovernmental negotiating committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on mercury, Sixth session held in Bangkok, 3–7 November 2014. Available online at: http://www.mercuryconvention.org/Portals/11/documents/meetings/inc6/English/6_INF6_GEF.pdf (accessed on 31 January 2016) WWF, 2013. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming Strategy: Promoting Transformational Leadership and Social Justice in Natural Resource Management and Climate Change. WWF Nepal, Hariyo Ban Program, Baluwatar, Kathmandu.

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Annexes Annex 1: Landscapes Baseline Assessment Report (attached separately) Annex 2: Provision of National Steering Committee and Selection of Project Proposals As provided for in the GEF-SGP document, a National Steering Committee (NSC) comprised of 6-11 members, will be formed to select projects for funding. The following procedures for development of and selection of the projects for GEF-SGP support will be adopted. This process is recommended based on previous experiences in Nepal;

(i) The GEF-SGP programme office Team will screen all concept papers and/or project proposals and submit to the NSC the potential ones for GEF-SGP support.

(ii) The NSC shall meet at least two times in a year or as needed for the purpose of selecting viable concept papers/proposals. The NSC members will be comprised of 6 to 9 members and will be nominated from or among the following categories: a) GEF Focal Point Officer as the Representative of International Economic Cooperation

Coordination Division of the Ministry of Finance as the Government Representative/s; b) Representative of Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation/ Department of Forest c) Representative of Ministry Population and Environment d) Representative of UNDP (Environment, Energy & Climate Change Unit); e) Representative of National NGOs; f) Representative of Academic institutions; g) Representative of gender specialist (preferably women) h) Representative of donor agencies/development missions and or Embassies in Nepal; and i) Subject matter specialists;

Representatives from potential donor and /or co-funding agencies as well as academic and private institutions can be explored and included in the NSC. However, flexibility will be maintained to make changes in the NSC during the implementation phase for effectiveness of the programme. NSC members will participate in the project appraisals and selection, monitoring, evaluation and dissemination of information. To keep the NSC independent and transparent, no member on the NSC representing an NGO shall participate in the appraisal and selection of a proposal in which he/she has interest. The participation of these institutions will provide the basis for wide scale replication and/or adaptation of successful “best” practices and bring about better coordination and understanding.

Decisions made by the NSC will serve as technical clearance for GEF-SGP funding to NGO and CBO projects. Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will be signed by the Country Director of UNDP Country Office on behalf of the UNOPS and the Head of the grantee institution.

The prospective grantees to implement GEF-SGP projects should have the following qualities:

(i) commitment to demand-based initiatives; (ii) local orientation in its formation and operations; (iii) existence of or access to technical and qualified human resources in the subject area; (iv) flexible and capable of developing alternative and innovative ideas; (v) capable to develop project proposal and monitoring reports; (vi) existence of self-generating core funds; (vii) good working relation with the local government agencies (DDCs and VDCs); (viii) officially registered, updated annually and conducted audit exercises; and (ix) experience in community development and or GEF-SGP focal areas.

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The National Steering Committee (NSC) will ensure that the project will maximize benefits for the rural-poor, marginalized and excluded communities. The prospective awardees could be:

(i) Indigenous and local CSOs; (ii) Community-based Organizations; (iii) Networks, fora, umbrella associations; (iv) Community groups like local councils, farmers associations, co-operatives, clubs, women

and youth groups; and (v) Scientific, research, technical and training institutions

The following criteria will be used in the prioritization of funding by the NSC. They are:

(i) Local orientation of the project proponents (ii) Thematic focus (iii) Contribution to geographic landscape (iv) Innovativeness (v) Presence of or access to relevant technical human resources (vi) Experience in rural/community development (vii) Experience in GEF focal areas and operational programmes (viii) Linkages with focal area and livelihood or enterprise (ix) Level of co-funding (in cash and in kind) committed (x) General impressions on the proposal and the project proponent. The project proposal will

be assessed in view of its management credibility, reliability and project technical soundness, scope of replication and upscaling, sustainability and knowledge product development.

The following procedures will apply in the processing of concept papers/proposals;

(i) The project proponents shall submit concept papers or proposals using guidelines as provided for by GEF-SGP National Coordinator. Concept papers and proposals shall be received throughout the year.

(ii) The National Coordinator shall summarize the potential concept papers and/or proposals for review by members of NSC.

(iii) The NSC shall appraise and select the eligible concept papers or proposals based on funding and selection criteria, and will inform the successful applicants through the National Coordinator.

(v) The quorum for accepting the decisions of the NSC in project proposal selection will be 50% of the total members of the NSC. The successful proposals shall enter the GEF-SGP work programme.

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ANNEX 3: National Steering Committee (NSC) Terms of Reference (TOR) NSC Functions and Duties 1. The principal functions and duties of the NSC include: review and approval of project proposals, submitted to the GEF-SGP by CSOs/CBOs and

pre-screened by the National Coordinator, in accordance with established criteria and procedures;

participation in the development and periodic revision of the Country Programme Strategy; and

lead responsibility, along with the National Coordinator, for the Programme Review. 2. NSC members are also encouraged to actively participate in site visits and ongoing

monitoring and evaluation activities associated with the GEF-SGP and its projects, and to provide technical assistance and advice to GEF-SGP projects and CSO/CBO project proponents.

3. The NSC may wish to elaborate a set of project selection criteria based on the country

programme strategy to help guide decisions and provide additional consistency to project selection.

4. The NSC shall decide whether it will consider and approve project concepts and

planning grants, or will rather leave these tasks to the National Coordinator. In the case of the latter, the NC will keep the NSC informed about concepts received and approved and planning grants awarded.

NSC Terms of Office and Appointment 5. Members of the NSC serve on a voluntary basis and without financial compensation.

Reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses such as long-distance travel to project sites and NSC meetings may be provided. Reimbursement of expenses such as travel should be approved prior to the actual expenditure and follow standard GEF-SGP procedures.

6. The NSC should consist of between six and eleven members, with the majority of

members from the non-government sector. This range is given as guidance only; the specific number of members is to be determined by the NC in consultation with the UNDP CO Resident Representative/ Country Director and the GEF-SGP Global Manager. Efforts should be made to ensure gender and ethnic diversity in the committee.

7. Members of the NSC are appointed by the UNDP Resident Representative/ Country

Director in consultation with the NC. Appointments to the NSC are subject to ratification by the GEF-SGP Global Manager. Members may also be removed from the NSC by the UNDP Resident Representative/ Country Director for cause.

8. The UNDP Resident Representative/ Country Director or his/her delegate, usually the

UNDP Country Office GEF-SGP focal point (Assistant Country Director, Energy, Environment and Climate Change Unit) represents the UNDP on the NSC.

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9. The GEF-SGP National Coordinator serves ex officio in the NSC, participating in

deliberations, but not voting in the project selection process. The NC also serves as Secretariat to the NSC.

11. The term of office of each NSC member is for a period of two years. In the event that

a member fails to complete a full term of office, a new member shall be appointed by the UNDP Resident Representative/ Country Director. NSC members may be reappointed to serve additional two-year terms based on service and commitment to the programme.

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